"Lovely? I should say so!" said Marjorie, who was clinging to her father's arm. "It's been the very best Ourday ever, and I'm _so_ glad it rained!" "My prophecy has come true!" declared Mr. Maynard, striking a dramatic attitude. "Only this morning I prognosticated you'd say that, and you----" "And I didn't see how it could be possible," agreed Marjorie, wagging her head, wisely. "I know it. But you made it possible, you beautiful, dear, smart, clever, sweet father, you, and I've had just the elegantest time!" "When it's my turn, I shall choose a picnic in the house," said Kitty. "Not unless it's a rainy day," said her father. "I've enjoyed the day, too, but I can tell you it's no joke to get up this kind of a picnic. Why, I was telephoning and sending errands for two hours before you kiddies were awake this morning." "Dear Daddy," said Marjorie, caressing his hand in both her own, "you are _so_ good to us; and I _do_ hope it will rain next Ourday!" "So do I!" said all the others. CHAPTER VI THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL At last schooldays began, and one Monday morning the three Maynards started off. The first day of school was a great occasion, and much preparation had been made for it. Mr. Maynard had brought each of the children a fine new box, well stocked with pencils, pens, and things of that sort. Kitty had a new slate, and Midget and King had new blankbooks. Also, they were all in a state of clean starchiness, and the girls' pretty gingham dresses and King's wide white collar were immaculate. Marjorie didn't look especially happy, but her mother said: "Now, Mopsy, dear, don't go to school as if it were penance. Try to enjoy it, and think of the fun you'll have playing with the other girls at recess." "I know, Mother; but recess is so short, and school is so long." "Ho! Only till one o'clock," said Kingdon. "Then we can come home, have lunch, and then there's all the afternoon to play." "Yes, for you," said Marjorie. "But I have to practise a whole hour, and that leaves almost no time at all, and there are so many things I want to do." "Now, my little girl," said Mrs. Maynard, very seriously, "you must try to conquer that mood. You know you have to go to school, so why not make the best of it? You don't really dislike it as much as you think you do. So, cheer up, little daughter, and run along, determined to see the bright side, even of school." "I will try, Mother," said Midget, smiling, as she received her good-bye kiss, "but I'll be glad when it's one o'clock." "I wiss me could go to school," said Rosy Posy, wistfully; "me an' Boffin, we'd have fun in school." "There it is," said Mrs. Maynard, laughing. "Little girls who can go to school don't want to go, and little girls who can't go do want to!" "You'll go some day, Baby," said King, "but they won't let you take Boffin." "Den I won't go!" declared Rosy Posy, decidedly.